Effective 13 December 2018, enhanced integrity regulations have come into effect, allowing the immigration department to publicly list companies which have failed to satisfy a sponsorship obligation.
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Global Immigration Weekly Roundup – 17th December 2018
December 17, 2018
The latest vital immigration news and updates from around the globe in your weekly newsletter from Newland Chase.
AUSTRALIA: Sponsor Compliance and Publication of Sanctions
UK: No Suspension of Tier 1 (Investor); Publication of Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules [LATEST] Tier 1 (Investor)
On 6 December 2018, various press outlets reported, based on an unpublished government press release, that the Home Office had suspended the Tier 1 (Investor) route until further notice. However, on 11 December 2018 a Home Office spokesperson commented: “The Tier 1 (Investor) visa is not currently suspended. However, the Government remains committed to reforming the route. A further announcement will be made in due course. Any suspension would be implemented through changes to the Immigration Rules.”
KENYA: In-Country Work Permits Suspended Indefinitely
Effective immediately, the Kenyan government has suspended indefinitely the issuance of work permits and passes to foreign nationals who are already in Kenya, and has limited visa extensions. Applications for entry/work permits must be submitted while the foreign national worker is outside Kenya.
SWITZERLAND: Transitional Period for Croatians Extended to End of 2021
On 7 December 2018, the Swiss federal council announced it will maintain until 31 December 2021 the transitional provisions of Protocol III, which extended to Croatian nationals the Agreement on Free Movement of Persons (FMPA) between Switzerland and the European Union.
UNITED KINGDOM: Changes to Right-to-Work Checks in 2019
Effective 28 January 2019, employers in the United Kingdom will be able to rely on an online right-to-work check to prove the status of prospective employees.
UNITED KINGDOM: Citizens’ Rights Under the Withdrawal Agreement Versus a No-Deal Scenario
On 14 November 2018, the United Kingdom (UK) government reached an agreement with the European Union (EU) on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. The deal, which still needs to be ratified by both the UK and European parliaments, includes arrangements about the legal status of EU citizens in the UK post-Brexit.
INDONESIA: Change to Validity of RPTKA
Effective 10 December 2018, an RPTKA can only be valid for up to two years initially, rather than five as previously. After two years, the RPTKA can be extended for another period of two years, and after this for another one year.
INDIA: Increased Penalties for Late Registration and Late Visa Extension
Effective immediately, the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) has revised its penalty fees for late registration of foreign nationals, and for submission of visa extensions after visa expiry.
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